Influence of the octogen quality and production scale on characteristics of granulated plastic bonded explosive

The compositions of granulated plastic bonded explosive (PBX), based on octogen (HMX) and Estane polymer were prepared by aqueous/solvent slurry coating tehnique, on a laboratory and industrial scale. Scale-up was done in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way: with provided recyclage and reuse of the used organic solvent. The quality of the obtained granulated PBX samples was observed trough the following analyses: the quality of polymer coating layer on HMX crystals was examined by microscopic analysis; the phlegmatizer content in PBX samples was determined; granulometric analysis and the tests of sensitivity to friction and impact were carried out. Compressibility of granulated PBX was determined by pressing. Measured detonation velocities of pressed PBX charges were compared. The obtained properties of the examined pressed PBX indicated that it may find application as a promising main explosive charge in cumulative warheads.